Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services
January 3, 2005

Contact:
Jerry Simon
Interim Executive Director
573-522-3064

Sign-Up for Missouri Senior Rx Program Started Jan. 1

Seniors who want to save money on their prescription drugs can enroll in the Missouri Senior Rx Program now through February 28, 2005. The four-year-old state drug program helps limited-income seniors pay for their prescription drugs. It pays 60 percent of prescription costs after eligible seniors meet a deductible and pay an annual enrollment fee of $25 or $35. Participating seniors can save up to $5,000 per person per year.

“Over 17,000 Missouri seniors are currently benefiting from this program, but we know there are thousands more who could use relief from the high cost of their prescription medications,” says Jerry Simon, interim executive director of the Missouri Senior Rx Program. To qualify, an individual must be 65 or older with an annual income of up to $17,000 for an individual and $23,000 for a married couple. Seniors cannot receive veterans’ pharmacy benefits, be enrolled in Medicaid or have other prescription drug insurance that is equal to or greater than the Missouri Senior Rx Program. More than 1,100 pharmacies across the state participate in the program, which carries thousands of generic and name brand medications.

“We hope seniors won’t confuse our program with the new Medicare prescription drug plan,” said Simon. “The federal Medicare plan won’t go into effect until 2006, and Missouri seniors can enroll in Missouri Senior Rx now and start seeing the benefits this year.” Estimates indicate the average senior will save $800 annually on his or her prescription drugs by participating in the Missouri Senior Rx Program.

Individuals who turn 65 outside of the Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2005, enrollment period may apply 30 days before or after their birthday. Benefits for the 2005 plan year begin July 1, 2005.

Applications are available at participating pharmacies, local Area Agencies on Aging, community action agencies, federally qualified health centers and libraries. For more information or to request an application, contact the Missouri Senior Rx Program toll-free at 1-800-375-1406 or visit the Web site at: www.dhss.mo.gov/MoSeniorRx.

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